Former Durham Chief Constable Jon Stoddart will lead the new inquiry, which will be given new powers to investigate the circumstances surrounding the events before and during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final which caused the deaths.

The inquiry comes after the Hillsborough Independent Panel reported in September that there had been an institutional cover up at the time of the tragedy and in the ensuing years, something which prompted an apology from Prime Minister David Cameron in Parliament.

"The findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel were truly shocking, but while the families have now been given the truth, they have not yet received justice," May said.

"Jon Stoddart is a skilled and dedicated investigator who will bring a huge amount of policing experience to this demanding job.

"I am giving the IPCC new powers to investigate police misconduct, but this investigation will ensure no body with responsibility for fan safety at Hillsborough will escape scrutiny.

"I am determined to see a swift and thorough response to the findings of the Hillsborough Panel to deliver justice for the 96 football fans who died and the families who have fought so hard on their behalf."